Welcome to Knocksink

Knocksink in County Wicklow is a very special place in Ireland with a unique story! Did you know that Knocksink comes from an Irish word, 'Cnoc Sionnaigh', which means 'Hill of the Fox'? How cool is that!

Long, long ago, this area was covered with beautiful forests where foxes, deer, and other animals lived. People started to live here around the 18th century. They built small houses, grew their own food, and raised animals. They had to be very brave and strong to survive in such a wild place.

The most famous thing that happened in Knocksink is the discovery of Ossory Bridge. It's not just any bridge, but one of the oldest bridges in Ireland! It was built over 200 years ago and is still standing strong today. Can you imagine how many people, horses, and carts have crossed that old bridge?

Today, Knocksink is known for its beautiful nature reserve. It's a wonderful place where people come to enjoy the beauty of nature, watch birds, and learn about different plants and animals. So, though it may seem like a small and quiet place, Knocksink has a rich history full of tales waiting to be discovered!

  1. What does 'Cnoc Sionnaigh', the Irish word from which Knocksink gets its name, mean?
  2. When did people start to live in Knocksink?
  3. What is the most famous thing in Knocksink and why is it famous?
  4. Why do you think it was important for the early settlers in Knocksink to be brave and strong?
  5. If you lived in Knocksink, what activities would you like to do in the nature reserve and why?

All About Knocksink

Knocksink Woods in Co. Wicklow is a magical place to explore. This lush forest is full of tall, leafy trees like ash and holly where many birds make their homes. If you're quiet, you might spot woodpeckers or even a twinkling blue kingfisher!

This area is also famous for O2 Park, a fun spot for outdoor activities. It's on the Knocksinna Road, a big street that runs through the area. Near the park, you'll find cute benches, lamp posts, and even a special post box to mail letters!

Running through Knocksink Woods is the Glencullen River. It gurgles and splashes over rocks, creating little waterfalls that are fun to watch. Sometimes, you can see little fish swimming in the clear water.

And don't forget about the wildlife! Foxes, badgers, and bats call Knocksink Woods their home. There are also lots of cool creepy crawlies, like shiny beetles and butterflies.

So, whether you love climbing trees, skipping stones in the river, or spotting animals, Knocksink Woods is the perfect outdoor playground. But remember to respect nature and leave no trace so that the beautiful animals and plants can continue to thrive!

  1. What kinds of trees can you find in Knocksink Woods?
  2. Name some of the animals that make their home in Knocksink Woods.
  3. Describe the Glencullen River and its geographical features.
  4. Using a map, can you trace the path of Knocksinna Road as it runs through the area?
  5. Plan a visit to Knocksink Woods. What geographical features would you be most interested in exploring and why?

My Family and Knocksink

Hi there! My name is Danny and I'm 8 years old. I live in a cool place called Knocksink, in County Wicklow. It's really fun growing up here because there's always something to do!

One of my favourite places to go is the Knocksink Woods. It's a nature reserve and it's really pretty. There's a river called the Glencullen River that runs through it and sometimes, we see all sorts of creatures like frogs and dragonflies. We even have our own waterfall, the Powerscourt Waterfall. It's the tallest in Ireland! It’s so big and loud, but also really beautiful.

Another cool thing about Knocksink is that we're near Bray, which has a super long beach where we can build sandcastles and play. It's great in summer!

I also really like all the old buildings and stories in Wicklow. There's an old jail that's now a museum and a big lighthouse. I love exploring them and finding out about the past.

So, that's a little bit about me and where I live. I'm really lucky to be growing up in Knocksink. It's a very special place!

  1. What does Danny enjoy doing at the Knocksink Woods?
  2. How does Danny feel about the Powerscourt Waterfall?
  3. What activities does Danny like to do at the beach near Bray?
  4. What does Danny find interesting about the old buildings in Wicklow?
  5. Why does Danny feel lucky to be growing up in Knocksink?

The Logainm of Knocksink

Knocksink, located in County Wicklow, Ireland, is a wonderful place with an interesting name. 'Knocksink' is a logainm. A logainm is a special Irish word that means 'place name'. The name 'Knocksink' comes from two Irish words, 'Cnoc' which means 'hill' and 'Siongach' which means 'a place of foxes'. So, together, 'Knocksink' means 'Hill of the Foxes'.

Long ago, many foxes lived in the hills around Knocksink. People named the area after these foxes, showing how important they were to the place's history. Foxes still live in the area today, and if you're lucky, you might even see one!

Knocksink is also known for its beautiful nature reserve, which is home to lots of animals and plants. People come from all over to enjoy the beauty of the place. This shows how the name 'Knocksink' has been carried through the years, linking the past to the present day.

  1. What does the name 'Knocksink' mean in English?
  2. What are the two Irish words that make up the name 'Knocksink'?
  3. Why do you think the area was named after foxes?
  4. What animals might you find in the Knocksink nature reserve today?
  5. How does the name 'Knocksink' link the past to the present day?

Slideshow - Knocksink
A full set of teaching plans for teaching about Knocksink